Banks -- Banks are located in Phuket Town, with many larger branches on Ranong and Rasada roads. There are bank branches of major Thai banks at Chalong, Nai Harn, Kata, Karon and Patong beaches. Money changers are located at the airport, major shopping areas on each beach, and at most resorts. Banks offer the best rates. ATMs are now found all over Phuket.
Bookstores -- There are lots of book shops to be found at the mega-malls of Central Festival Phuket Town, and JungCeylon Centre, Patong. Also look for The Books in Patong at 198/2 Rat-U-Thit Rd. (tel. 07634-2980).
Hospitals -- There are three major private hospitals, all with English-speaking staff: Bangkok Phuket Hospital, at 2/1 Hongyok-Uthit Rd. (off Yaowarat Rd. in Phuket Town; tel. 07625-4421), has high-quality facilities and has a clinic in Laguna Canal Village, Laguna Phuket (tel. 07632-5442). Phuket International (tel. 07624-9400) is located next to Big C Shopping Mall, outside Phuket Town. Mission Hospital also offers good medical services and is located on Thepkasattri Road, Phuket Town (tel. 07621-2386).
Internet -- Internet service is fairly easy to find on the island. Good connections can be found at small cafes and tour agencies at most beaches. In Patong, the best Internet cafes are farther away from the beach. Along Rat-U-Thit Road in the center of Patong (a 5-min. walk east, away from the beach), you'll find 1B per minute (US$1.71/90p per hour) service.
Police -- The emergency number for the Tourist Police is tel. 1155 or 1699; for Emergency Police, dial tel. 191; for Marine Police, dial tel. 07621-1883.
Post Office -- The General Post Office in Phuket Town (tel. 07621-1020) is at the corner of Thalang and Montri roads.
